any advice?

As someone who's navigated the challenges of managing curly hair volume, I can relate to the frustration of flat roots despite well-defined ends. One trick I've found effective is adjusting the part away from the center — this can immediately create the illusion of fuller roots by changing the hair's natural fall. It's also crucial to re-evaluate your brush choice and technique. Using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed specifically for curly hair helps maintain curl integrity and prevents root flattening. I often section my hair into smaller parts before applying any styling product to ensure even distribution, which in turn supports root lift. For roots that don’t curl as easily, try using lightweight mousse or root-lifting sprays that add volume without weighing hair down. Sometimes, the problem lies in product buildup, so incorporating a gentle clarifying shampoo weekly can rejuvenate the scalp and encourage better root curl. Another personal tip is to incorporate diffusing with a blow dryer on low heat and low airflow to lift roots gently while drying. Avoid pressing down on roots when using fingers or tools, as that can flatten them. Consistency with a moisturizing routine plays a big role too—dry roots tend to lose their curl definition faster. Deep conditioning once a week has worked wonders for my overall curl bounce. Experimenting with no middle parts was initially tricky but helped me discover styles that enhance volume naturally. Over time, embracing these small tweaks can make a big difference in achieving that fresh, voluminous curly look that lasts days.